truthfully this really is quite a serious question because there are a lot of scammers out there ready to sell you fake opals!

These opals have been made in a lab and many of them actually look quite good, but have a think about it!

Why, are they so darn cheap? Because they are mass produced that’s why!

Below I have added an article called Natural Opal Types and was written by a very well respected opal dealer in Australia. He is also the owner of http://www.opalmine.com

Here are Three Main Natural Opal Types

When buying diamonds, sapphires or rubies, you have either a real one or a synthetic. But with opal you can buy an expensive solid stone, or you can buy a triplet or a doublet. Doublets and triplets are far more affordable than solid opals–and they are still realopal. So its good to get to know the differant natural opal types so you know what you are buying.

Dark and Black Opal – Natural Opal Types 1

A solid piece of opal with a natural dark or black back. This makes the foreground of the stone darker and opaque [non see-through] on top. Black and dark opals come in all color variations. This page of pendants features some black opal and opal doublets as well. you will notice that some really brilliant doublets are higher priced that some solid black opals. it all depends on the brightness and the quality of the stone itself. They are all natural opal types.

Pale Opal – Natural Opal Types 1

A sold piece of opal without a natural black back. The stone has a lighter, more delicate color on top. When translucent [letting light through] it is called ‘crystal’ When opaque [not see through] it’s called ‘white’, ‘pale’ or ‘milk’ opal. They come in all color variations. You will be able to see the natural light colored opal pendant here, standing out against the dark opals in this bunch of pendants.

Boulder dark and black Opal – Natural Opal Types 2

A solid piece of boulder opal with a natural brown ironstone back, giving it a dark opal appearance from the top. Boulder opals are also dark or black opals. They come in all color variations.Here are some examples of boulder opals that have been set ready to wear. The first three at the top are natural opal boulders. Leave a message at the bottom of this page if you want more explanation about these pendants

A solid piece of opal cemented to a natural black [potch] backing, giving the appearance of black opal on top and is opaque. Because of this dark appearance it falls into the category of dark or black opal. The stone is made of TWO pieces. Hence the name DOUBLET. Doublets come in all color variations. Doublets in the form of pendants are very popular. Here are some examples mixed with solid lights and dark opals.

Composite Natural Opal

A thin piece of opal cemented to a black background with a crystal cap cemented to the top. The stone is made of three pieces. Hence the name TRIPLET. Triplets come in all color variations. They are also categorized as dark or black opals and are opaque [non see-through] So they fit in with the natural opal types because they are really made of solid crystal opal sliced into layers. Triplets are also popular as pendants because they are still natural opal types. The first two lines of these opal pendants are triplets. Very popular because they are bright and inexpensive

Natural Opal Types 3

Image via Wikipedia

Andamooka Matrix is another variety of matrix opal. In this case the potch is porous enough to allow a dark staining process to take place, making the stone dark in appearance.

So the natural opal types are Dark and black opal, Pale opal which takes in white and crystal opal, Boulder Opal which includes boulder opal matrix, and Andamooka Matrix which is a natural treated opal. Then Opal Doublets And Triplet Opals which are still natural opal but have been set in a black or dark background, giving them the appearance of black opal.

From the article above you can very well see that there are a few natural Opal Types and these are not synthetic opals produced in a lab! These guys where dug straight from the mines and are the real deal.

What I would recommend when you are searching online in any website looking for unset or opal jewelry take everything into account the positives and the negatives!

So, I am sorry I didn’t provide you with a direct source on where to buy opals online?

Click this link and it will take you directly to Opalmine.com as these guys are the real deal!

Photo right: Far from synthetic this one!

Image via Wikipedia

Synthetic opal

As well as occurring naturally, opals of all varieties have been synthesized experimentally and commercially. The discovery of the ordered sphere structure of precious opal led to its synthesis by Pierre Gilson in 1974.[5] The resulting material is distinguishable from natural opal by its regularity; under magnification, the patches of color are seen to be arranged in a “lizard skin” or “chicken wire” pattern. Furthermore, synthetic opals do not fluoresce under UV light. Synthetics are also generally lower in density and are often highly porous.

Two notable producers of synthetic opal are the companies Kyocera and Inamori of Japan. Most so-called synthetics, however, are more correctly termed “imitation opal”, as they contain substances not found in natural opal (e.g., plastic stabilizers). The imitation opals seen in vintage jewelry are often foiled glass, glass-based “Slocum stone“, or later plastic materials.

Other research in macroporous structures have yielded highly ordered materials that have similar optical properties to opals and have been used in cosmetics.[

If you have come across my blog then you may of noticed that I have started to cover the great west in Australia, what we call the Outback! Why do we call it this?

Image via WikipediaWhy do we call it this?

Well, because it’s out the back from the coast and hinterlands!

Photo right: Opal mining the plain that surrounds opal ridge!

It’s not always all red sand and desert! No, at time this place gets so green that you just wouldn’t think it was the same place.

Actually after all the rain we have had this last year the place is well and truly thriving! Actually it looks so good that they cancelled the latest Mad Max movie and moved it to South Africa!

Anyway, I have some more really cool content for you below!

Enjoy!

Outback Australia – Land of Challenges and Opals

Though the Outback may look like vast barren desert, it’s not always dry out west. In fact, in a good season, Lightning Ridge can be very wet and muddy. There’s a saying that goes this way, “Stick to the black soil in the dry season and it’ll stick to you in the wet.” As it stands, at this time of writing 2011 we have had the largest floods in recorded history. At present a lot of the opal fields are full of water.

No truer words have been spoken. Black soil makes a dusty but quite smooth road when it’s dry, but is nearly impossible to travel when it’s wet. It slips worse than snow.

There is a beautiful highway that links the continent right through the middle. Some sections are so long and straight, you could read a book while driving–this practice is not recommended, however.

Opal gems are not the only colors in Outback Australia

A mixture of dust and Outback climate produce some unbelievable sunsets. The evening sky blazes with warm colours, often highlighted by bands of deeper hues. Where the sky meets the ground, the stark silhouettes of individual trees, shrubs, boulders, and isolated dwellings stand out against the backdrop of colour.

One miner at Yowah has compiled a photographic book of these sunsets, each of which is unique.

Winter nights are magnificent in the Outback Australia. There’s always plenty of mulga wood to burn. You have to experience a campfire in the outback on a chilly evening, with the Milky Way spread out before you, to know what I mean by “out of this world.” A few friends around a campfire just caps it off, especially if someone is playing the guitar accompanied by a mouth organ (harmonica), and lots of bush yarns (stories).

Even the mundane experience of visiting an outdoor toilet at night can be awe-inspiring. Looking up at the sky from your roofless outhouse, you ponder how long it takes to get from one end of the Milky Way to the other. The astronomers say it would take 100,000 years travelling at the speed of light.Add to this, the intrique of finding an opal and you have the perfect situation.

Yes, the land west of the coast sure is a unique place. I have traveled there a few times myself and flew over it in a plane and have fantastic memories. If you have read about Australia and what it has to offer then you would have some idea, but believe me you really have to visit to truly understand this great land and true blue Aussie hospitality!

Opal Fields of Australia Map

Boulder Opal fields of Australia

Queensland . Boulder opal is mined in a large area between Quilpie in the South and Winton in the north. The boulder and black opal fields nearly meet at the border between Queensland and NSW. They are a significant example of very remote opal fields of Australia.

Chrystal and White Opal Fields of Australia

A report on the Opal Fields of Australia would not be complete without mentioning the famous mines in South Australia . This is the home of the Coober Pedy, Mintabie, and Andamooka mines, famous for light opal, which includes crystal, grey and white opal. Sometimes called ‘milk’ opal. Here are some examples of light colored opal set in gold and silver as pendants and earrings. This white opal has been backed with a dark background giving it a dark opal appearance. At least twelve of these opal pendants are from south Australia. See if you can recognize them.

Photo right:Now that’s some serious opal!

Image by cobalt123 via Flickr

3. Black Opal Fields of Australia

TOURISTS Opal Fields of Australia

New South Wales is the home of the famous Black Opal. In fact its knon worldwide for dark opals. White cliffs further south toward the South Australian border, is all but mined out but was probably the largest opal mine in the world before Coober Pedy which is now one of the largest opal fields of Australia, was discovered.

This section describe opal mining in Australia, yesterday and today. Many of the photos you’ll see on these pages are displayed, with permission, from the reference books. If you are interested in these publications, please Contact Us for prices and details.

For more information, read the Encyclopaedia of Australian Opals to learn more about opals. Other parts of this site go into more details of the Opal Fields of Australia, so please enjoy the information and take as many notes as you like.

Gidday, I would like to introduce you to a great website I found called Ideal Sydney Getaways!

This site has been around for a couple of years and is jam packed full of content!

Actually the owners name is Max Taylor and he really has created a wealth of information about how to plan your Sydney Weekend Getaway!

photo right: Yes, we love ourselves a bit of Sydney Opera house!

View The Site Below!

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

ideal Sydney Getawaysis a great way to find information for a quick Sydney Australia getaway, or any New South Wales Australia holiday or vacation. Some of the best tips and travel advice on things to see and do are right here. Our aim is to help you find the ideal getaways destination you’re looking for.

Photo right: A humpback whale migrates past Sydney!

New South Wales Getaways Are an opportunity to take time to relax, change the scenery with some of the worlds best tours, attractions and events right here. New South Wales has a plethora of things to see and do. Go on… explore discover enjoy!

Australia’s Cities

We’re shining the spotlight on Australia’s vibrant cities and their unique attractions and experiences. Each city is distinct from the other but truly Australian in flavour. Learn about city precincts such as The Rocks in Sydney, Brisbane’s South Bank and Perth’s funky central suburbs. Be devoured by Adelaide’s Central Markets. Explore new places and trends, from Melbourne’s summer rooftops to Darwin’s revitalised waterfront and art precinct. Read about our city waterways, botanic gardens and cultural and heritage attractions. Discover new destinations like Albany, Bundaberg and Glenelg. We have great journey ideas to help you explore our cities or use them as a base for your Australian adventure.

Final trailer for Australia, Baz Luhrmann film starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman

Above: We love our country so much we thought we would make a movie about it!

What The Aussie Government Says We Are Like!

Culture

Australian culture is as broad and varied as the country’s landscape. Australia is multicultural and multiracial and this is reflected in the country’s food, lifestyle and cultural practices and experience.

Australia has an important heritage from its indigenous people, which plays a defining role in the cultural landscape.

This diversity of influences creates a cultural environment in Australia that is lively, energised, innovative and outward looking.

Population

As of February 2010, Australia’s population is roughly 22 million people. The most populous states are New South Wales and Victoria, with their respective capitals, Sydney and Melbourne, the largest cities in Australia.

Australia’s population is concentrated along the coastal region of Australia from Adelaide to Cairns, with a small concentration around Perth, Western Australia. The centre of Australia is sparsely populated.

Image via Wikipedia

Climate

The majority of Australia experiences temperate weather for most of the year.

The northern states of Australia are typically warm all the time, with the southern states experiencing cool winters but rarely sub-zero temperatures.

Snow falls on the higher mountains during the winter months, enabling skiing in southern New South Wales and Victorian ski resorts, as well as the smaller resorts in Australia’s island state, Tasmania.

Photo right:The Australian Coat Of Arms

Geography

Australia is an island continent and the world’s sixth largest country (7,682,300 sq km).

Lying between the Indian and Pacific oceans, the country is approximately 4,000 km from east to west and 3,200 km from north to south, with a coastline 36,735 km long.

Canberra is Australia’s capital city. With a population of approximately 320,000 people and situated in the Australian Capital Territory, Canberra is roughly half way between the two largest cities Melbourne and Sydney.

Australia has 19 listed World Heritage properties. Australia is also famous for its landmark buildings including the Sydney Harbour Bridge; its ancient geology, as well as for its high country.

History

Australia’s first inhabitants, the Aboriginal people, are believed to have migrated from some unknown point in Asia to Australia between 50,000 and 60,000 years ago.

While Captain James Cook is credited with Australia’s European discovery in 1770, a Portuguese possibly first sighted the country, while the Dutch are known to have explored the coastal regions in the 1640s.

The first European settlement of Australia was in January 1788, when the First Fleet sailed into Botany Bay under the command of Captain Arthur Phillip. Originally established as a penal colony, by the 1830s the number of free settlers was increasing. Transportation of convicts to the eastern colonies was abolished in 1852 and to the western colonies in 1868.